Scarleteen

Hi scarleteen,
Today I forgot about daylight savings and took my at 5:15am instead of 6:15am like normal, tomorrow morning should I take it at 7:15am since we spring forward? Will I get back on track to my normal time and still be protected?

Hi Worrywart,

Generally, your safe window is within three hours of your regular pill time, so since you were within that window there's no need to worry at all! Just take your pill at your regular time tomorrow. If you ever happen to take your pill outside of that three hour window, a backup method is recommended for a couple of days, especially if you are on a progestin-only pill. Combination estrogen/progestin pills have a much more forgiving window--as long as you remember take the pill every day, you are protected. Barrier methods like condoms are always a good idea either way, since they're the only methods that protect against STIs. For people who are concerned about pregnancy, regular use of a barrier method in addition to the pill may also provide some peace of mind.

Hope that helps!

Thank you! So should I take it at 7:15 which would be my regular 6:15? Just to clear that up?

Whichever you would prefer!

Okay thank you!!

You're welcome!

Hey! I have another question, I am taking sprintec and it's a combination pill, so does that mean if I take it anytime during the day that it will still be effective as long as I take the pill?

Basically--effectiveness is not affected if you take the pill within a 12 hour window, for example 7am to 7pm. But having a regular time every day is really helpful as a memory cue!

So taking it early doesn't matter or effect it's effectiveness?

Nope.